1 2 3 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Yams

Yam on wooden table, closeup

 

Yams – A traditional medicinal plant with cosmetic potential

While yams are still considered an insider tip in Europe, they are a traditional staple food in many tropical regions, especially in West Africa and South America. The plant belongs to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae) and is a perennial, herbaceous, climbing plant. It is particularly well known for its underground tubers, which can grow up to two meters long. Visually, it resembles the sweet potato – but botanically, the two plants are not related.

In tropical cuisine, yams are an important source of starch. Since many varieties are toxic when raw, they are usually boiled or cooked. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer: according to the FAO, around 72 million tons of yams were harvested worldwide in 2019 – 67% of which were in Nigeria alone. Since around 2018, yams have also been considered a “trend food” in Germany with potential health benefits. Particularly noteworthy is their richness in valuable ingredients – including diosgenin, a bioactive plant substance that is gaining increasing attention in medicine and cosmetics.

 

 

Ingredients of the yam root

The yam root is rich in micronutrients: it contains vitamins B1, B6, and C, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. However, its most notable ingredient is diosgenin—a secondary plant substance with remarkable effects.

Diosgenin – a plant steroid with a history

Chemically, diosgenin belongs to the group of steroidal sapogenins. It is found not only in yam tubers, but also in plants such as fenugreek, Jericho tomato, and asparagus. Diosgenin was an important raw material for the pharmaceutical industry in the 1940s and 1950s: the Mexican company Syntex developed a method for synthesizing cortisone from yams at low cost. The synthesis of progesterone and testosterone was also achieved soon after – a revolution for hormone therapy.

Progesterone plays a central role in the female cycle and is an essential component of hormonal contraception. During menopause, the body’s own production decreases, which contributes to typical symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and hair loss. Many women therefore resort to natural alternatives, including yam preparations. Although it has not yet been scientifically proven that diosgenin is directly converted into progesterone in the human body, yams are often used to alleviate hormone-related symptoms, especially in South America.

Other traditional uses include gastrointestinal cramps, circulatory disorders, rheumatic inflammation, and coughs. Yams are considered to be well tolerated, with side effects being rare. In isolated cases, stomach problems may occur. However, pregnant women should refrain from taking it.

 

 

Diosgenin in cosmetics

In cosmetics, diosgenin is of particular interest for mature skin – before, during, and after menopause. The substance has the ability to strengthen the skin’s collagen support structure and stimulate cell regeneration. It can also prevent moisture loss, contributing to smoother, more elastic skin.

Diosgenin also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—two important characteristics in the care of mature and sensitive skin. Studies show that diosgenin can promote skin renewal and support lipid synthesis in the epidermis. The result is firmer, more vibrant, and visibly regenerated skin. Due to its properties, diosgenin is particularly suitable for:

  • rich anti-aging creams
  • restorative night care products
  • care products for hormonally stressed skin

 

 

Botanical portrait: The yam plant

  • Botanical name: Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) / Dioscorea japonica
  • Family: Dioscoreaceae
  • Growth form: Herbaceous, perennial climbing plant
  • Occurrence: Tropics, especially West Africa, South America, Asia
  • Tubers: Up to 2 meters long, dark brown to black
  • Flowering season: Summer
  • Harvest season: Dry season (depending on region)
  • Use: Food, medicine, cosmetics

 

 

Active ingredient profiles

Yam root extract

  • INCI: Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract
  • CAS number: 90147-49-2
  • EINECS: 290-441-7
  • Description: Extract from the roots of wild yams
  • Effect: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hormone-regulating, conditioning, moisturizing, anti-aging

Japanese yams

  • INCI: Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
  • Description: Extract from the Asian yam species Dioscorea japonica

Diosgenin (pure active ingredient)

  • CAS number: 512-04-9
  • Description: Whitish-yellow crystalline solid
  • Origin: Mainly from Dioscorea spp.
  • Melting point: 200–205 °C
  • Effect: Anti-inflammatory, cell-stimulating, hormone-like (phytohormone), anti-aging

 

 

Conclusion: Cosmetic innovations with yams

The yam root combines traditional knowledge with modern demands. Its active ingredient, diosgenin, offers great potential for high-quality, targeted cosmetic products – especially for the care of mature skin. Its anti-inflammatory, regenerating, and hormone-regulating effects make yams a valuable ingredient in anti-aging formulations.

Cosmacon GmbH is happy to support you in the development of sophisticated cosmetic products with yam extracts and diosgenin. Thanks to our expertise in plant-based active ingredients and modern cosmetic science, we accompany you from the initial idea to the market-ready product.

Put your trust in innovation, effectiveness, and naturalness—with Cosmacon.

 

 

When products are needed quickly:

✨ Our partner Tojo Cosmetics offers innovative, active ingredient-rich private label products – quickly available, high quality and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.